Equine Emergencies Identification and What to do Until the Vet Arrives Kathryn Krista, DVM, MS
Common Equine Emergencies Cellulitis/lymphangitis Choke (esophageal obstruction) Colic Eye abnormalities Fever Lameness Wounds
Cellulitis/Lymphangitis What is it? Cellulitis: localized or diffuse inflammation of the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin May have infectious component Lymphangitis: inflammation or an infection of the lymphatic channels that occurs as a result of infection at a site distal to the channel
Cellulitis/Lymphangitis What causes it? Bacterial infection via a wound/local response to injection Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium organisms Unknown Bacterial infection via insect vector?
Cellulitis/Lymphangitis Clinical signs Cellulitis Swelling Often just distal limb Sensitivity on palpation of swollen area +/- lameness Sound at walk, lame at trot +/- fever
Cellulitis/Lymphangitis Clinical signs Lymphangitis Swelling of entire limb Hind limbs more commonly affected Sensitivity and heat in inguinal region Enlargement of saphenous vein Fever Lameness Can be severe
Cellulitis/Lymphangitis What to do Cold hose affected limb if horse will tolerate it and Call the vet ASAP Timely, aggressive treatment makes a significant difference in recovery quality and time Realize that recurrence is common Close observation and catching a problem early are often the keys to successful management
Choke (Esophageal Obstruction) What is it? Blockage of the lumen of the esophagus Feed bolus Prevents normal movement of feed and saliva into the stomach
Choke (Esophageal Obstruction) What causes it? Eating too fast (younger horses) Poor dentition (older horses) Failure to soak feed adequately Esophageal abnormalities Stricture Diverticulum Compression Megaesophagus
Choke (Esophageal Obstruction) Clinical signs Feed material and/or saliva exiting nostrils Retching Coughing Agitation May have visible/palpable protrusion on left side of neck
Choke (Esophageal Obstruction) What to do Don t panic! Wait 10 minutes or so if horse is reasonably quiet Common for obstruction to resolve during this time If it does not resolve time to call your vet Keep horse in a stall Remove all food and water Ask about sedating the horse Time frame for vet to arrive Demeanor of the horse
Colic What is it? Abdominal discomfort
Colic What causes it? Gas Abnormal motility (spasmodic colic) Mechanical obstruction Impaction Displacement Volvulus/torsion Strangulating lipoma Functional obstruction Ileus
Rolling Colic Clinical signs Inappetance Pawing Sweating Muscle fasciculations Flank watching Lip curling Stretching out Laying down and getting up
If signs have not completely resolved within 1 hour post Colic What to do Bring horse into stall if safe to do so Administer Banamine (PO or IV) Takes up to 1 hour for maximal effect Remove all food from stall If horse laying down quietly, OK to monitor If horse is more agitated/up and down repeatedly/rolling, advise walking
Eye Abnormalities What are they? Corneal ulceration Conjunctivitis Uveitis Corneal laceration/puncture
Eye Abnormalities What causes them? Trauma Inflammation Infection
Eye Abnormalities Clinical signs Holding eye closed/partially closed Swelling around the eye Increased tearing/discharge
Eye Abnormalities What to do Keep the horse in a stall Administer Banamine (PO or IV) Call the vet ASAP for examination Do not attempt examination as this may worsen condition in some cases Vet will sedate horse and block upper eyelid to facilitate safe examination
Fever What is it? Increased body temperature above normal range 99 101 degrees F
Fever What causes it? Body s response to disease causing organisms Bacteria Viruses Most common sites/sources Tick borne Respiratory tract Gastrointestinal tract
Fever Clinical signs Lethargy Inappetance +/- Increased respiratory rate Respiratory Increased effort Coughing Nasal discharge Gastrointestinal Loose manure -> diarrhea
Fever What to do Take horse s temperature Observe for any localizing signs Call the vet prior to administering any medications Tick fever testing more likely to have a positive result if horse is febrile at time of sampling Vet may advise to administer Banamine (PO or IV) but will recommend that horse be seen to treat underlying cause
Lameness What is it? Limb soreness Non or minimal weight bearing Reluctance to move Weight bearing lameness is often not a true emergency Stall rest +/- anti-inflammatory treatment Can usually be seen the following day if needed
Lameness What causes it? Subsolar bruising/abscessation Most common by far!! Lymphangitis Laminitis Fracture
Lameness Clinical signs Minimal to no weight bearing in affected limb Reluctance to move Walking on eggshells +/- increased digital pulse(s) Instability of limb (fracture)
Euthanasia Lameness What to do Place/keep horse in stall Exception: Fracture do not move without proper limb support Call the vet ASAP Sooner abscess can be opened -> sooner equal weight bearing resumes Laminitis is a potentially life threatening condition and prompt first aid care is imperative If fracture seems likely, should be addressed ASAP Diagnostic imaging Stabilization of limb if surgery is an option
Wounds What is it? Injury to skin layers +/- deeper structures
Wounds What causes them? Trauma Blunt Sharp
Wounds Clinical signs +/- broken skin Abrasion vs. laceration +/- drainage +/- peripheral swelling +/- lameness
Wounds What to do Wear exam gloves Clean wound if horse will permit it Saline or tap water Place wrap over wound Pressure wrap if heavy bleeding Lighter wrap otherwise Keep horse in stall Call the vet Laceration: Assessment (location?) and repair on farm or referral Puncture: Assessment (location?) and treatment on farm or referral Abrasion: Treatment to prevent cellulitis
First Aid Kit Stethoscope Thermometer Bandage scissors Bandage material Enough for a full limb bandage 2 sets Kerlix sponges 2 Kerlix rolls 2 Combine rolls 2 rolls of brown gauze 2 rolls of Vetrap 2 rolls of Elastikon Additional 4x4 gauze sponges Exam gloves
First Aid Kit Bandage material Foot bandage Duct tape Cotton/diapers Vetrap Hoof care materials Hammer Clinch cutter Shoe pull offs Nail pullers
First Aid Kit Medications, etc. Banamine Phenylbutazone Wound Wash (or other form of saline)
For Additional Health Information www.piedmontequinepractice.com www.aaep.org/info/owners
Questions?